"Island Bound," February 2006Brandon Lee looks at the pull he feels between opportunities here and on the Mainland.

Great article about an issue that comes up for local professionals in Hawai'i. I share the same feelings about living and working here, and travel quite a bit in my career. Yet there is nothing that can express how I feel on the last day of a business trip when I am returning to Hawai'i and the pilot announces the descent into Honolulu. You begin to see the Islands through the clouds, the snow-covered peaks of Mauna Kea, the beautiful beaches along the west coast of Moloka'i and then the blue-trimmed beaches along O'ahu, with Diamond Head looming in the distance and the city of Honolulu emerging. It reminds me why I choose Hawai'i to be my home.

Robert Oneha, Honolulu

"On The Waterfront," January 2006Ronna Bolante reported on the proposed development for Kaka'ako and how the community reacted.

I want to give you a big mahalo nui loa for your complete and accurate (as far as I can tell) reporting on the Kaka'ako affair, and the down-home story about Ethan and Barbara Poole-Street [the Making A Difference column, titled "The Dinner Companions"] and the Inclusive Recreation program. Let's have more stories like these. As for the posh restaurants, maybe we can afford them, once a year.

Tom Huff, Honolulu

"Hale 'Aina Awards," January 2006Each year, HONOLULU subscribers weigh in on their favorite places to dine. The results are published as HONOLULU Magazine's Hale 'Aina Awards.

Here are some new places on Kaua'i that your readers may like. None are too expensive, none will disappoint.

1. Hukilau Lanai has a Pacific Rim menu and is located in an upscale timeshare resort behind the Coconut Marketplace, in the Waipouli/Kapa'a area. The chef, management and service are excellent. There's a tasty wine-by-the-glass menu, a wine list under $20 and another for fatter wallets. Intimate bar and sometimes a little slack key, too.2. Portofino has an upscale Italian menu. It's next to Duke's at the Marriott in the Kalapaki/Lihu'e area. Super ambiance and service. Indoor or outdoor dining and an energetic owner named Guiseppe. Parking is a little tricky, but it's worth it.3. BarAcuda has an eclectic tapas menu. It's in Hanalei, behind Papaya's store, and was beautifully remodeled. The imaginative menu changes daily and there's an interesting and fairly priced selection of wine.4. 'Ilima Terrace, in the Grand Hyatt Resort, Po'ipu, is great for a relaxing lunch and often overlooked in this vast property. Ask for a table by the lagoon. Later stroll the sensational grounds and beach of the resort.

Tom Rice, Princeville, Kaua'i

AHANA KOKO LELE

In John Heckathorn's February Dining column, "Walk on the Wild Side," he mentioned a fish that's being marketed as Kona Kampachi. The company that aqua-farms the fish is called Kona Blue, not Deep Blue. For more on this fish, visit www.kona-kampachi.com.

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